All those at the theatre must rise and stand when the National Anthem is being played the National Flag displayed on the movie screen.

In a major decision, the Supreme Court today said that it was mandatory for movie theatres to play the National Anthem before a movie starts. The SC also made it mandatory that all theatre owners must display the National Flag on the screen before the start of a movie.

The Supreme Court further stated that all those at the theatre must rise and stand when the National Anthem is being played the National Flag displayed on the movie screen. The centre has agreed that it would circulate this order to all Chief Secretaries of the states so that the same could be implemented. Further the centre also assured that this order would be published in the electronic and print media.

The SC said that the National Anthem must be played in full. An abridged version of the National Anthem cannot be played. The Anthem should not be commercially exploited. It's dramatisation in variety shows is something that cannot be accepted the Bench also held. The SC observed that the time has come when people should feel they live in a nation. People cannot have perceived notions of freedom the Supreme Court also observed.

The people must feel this is my country. This is my motherland, the people should feel. The court also said, " you are Indian first. In other countries you enjoy their restrictions. In India you want no restrictions, Justice Dipak Mishra heading the Bench also observed.